Nasal immunity against influenza
Immunity in the Nose to inFLUENza: Correlates of Efficacy (INFLUENCE)
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE · NIH-11332178
This project uses gentle nasal sampling and stored flu-challenge samples to learn how immune responses in the nose could help protect people from influenza.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11332178 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You may be asked to provide small, painless nasal secretions collected with a nasosorption device, which captures proteins and antibodies from the lining of the nose. Researchers will compare these new nasal samples from healthy volunteers with biobanked samples from people who underwent controlled influenza exposure. The team will develop and use tests that measure not just antibody levels but whether those mucosal antibodies can stop or clear the virus. Results aim to standardize nasal sampling methods and clarify which nasal immune responses matter most for preventing infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are healthy adults willing to provide nasal samples or who have previously taken part in influenza challenge studies and donated samples to biobanks.
Not a fit: People with severe, ongoing influenza illness or unrelated chronic non-respiratory conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help guide vaccines or treatments that strengthen nasal immunity to better prevent flu infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work shows nasosorption reliably collects nasal proteins, but measuring the functional activity of mucosal antibodies is a newer area with limited prior results.
Where this research is happening
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
- IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE — LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: THWAITES, RYAN — IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: THWAITES, RYAN
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.